When I started this *journey* in June 2009, I weighed over 230lbs. One day while making a trip for work I had an AHA! moment. I got on board the aircraft, went to buckle my seat belt, and it almost didn't buckle. I panicked. I work for an airline. I travel often for work, this just wasn't going to work. There's no right way to ask for a seat belt extension.

I was never an active person. I've been somewhat overweight since Jr. high, and gave up on caring after I had my son ...

When I started this *journey* in June 2009, I weighed over 230lbs. One day while making a trip for work I had an AHA! moment. I got on board the aircraft, went to buckle my seat belt, and it almost didn't buckle. I panicked. I work for an airline. I travel often for work, this just wasn't going to work. There's no right way to ask for a seat belt extension.

I was never an active person. I've been somewhat overweight since Jr. high, and gave up on caring after I had my son almost 11 years ago. Before 2009 I've never once had a gym membership or thought 'I should go work out! Exercise to me was walking up the stairs. I ate whatever I wanted. Never worried about how many calories were in anything I ate. I just shoveled it in my mouth, and then went back for more. Every time I'd go to the Dr. he was amazed that my blood pressure was fine and that I hadn't developed diabetes. I was tempting fate.

It's been almost 3 years since my wake up call. I'm not sure how far I would have gotten without finding Sparkpeople

In the first year I lost about 90lbs, I maintained that loss all throughout the summer, and then winter hit. Eeek. After playing outside all summer hiking, running, biking etc...I just couldn't get myself back to the gym!

Since then, I've lost and I've gained and lost and gained... and while I'm not at my ideal weight, I know I'm still healthier than I was in 2009. I make healthier choices now than I did before then and I've learned that I'm not perfect and I don't expect myself to be.

I've come to the conclusion that I'll probably always battle with my weight, but I've also discovered that I don't have to be a size 9 or weigh 140lbs just because a chart says that's my healthy weight. Being healthy is something I work towards on a daily basis and I'm so glad I always have Spark to come back to when I need a little help. :)

Thinking of you as the holiday approach and hope that you are having a wonderful December. I have managed to relight my spark and keep it going for the past few months so I am always looking to see if my favorites sparkies (like you) are around. Lots of love, Hollynn

YOU ARE TOTALLLYYYYY INSPIRATIONAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just returned after being away from spark people for 5 years!!!!!!! I love your page and your journey and how you photographed yourself throughout it!!!!!!!! I want to do this!! I was here 5 years ago...left..had so much happen in that time..lost 30 lbs outside of SP...now I find myself back and at 197...i gained it all back! So Im back and ready to start again........so glad I saw your page!!! Continued success to you!! You've really encouraged me!! Keep up the loss! You look amazing!!!

Congratulations on being Motivator of the Day! I added you as a SparkFriend because you've made some inspiring progress and you have a great attitude! Hope to see you around on Spark, and I hope that this month is bring less stress and some enjoyment of the hopefully gorgeous weather in your little corner of the world!